Clock generation system

ABSTRACT

A clock generation system for generating a first-, a second-, and a third-reference frequency clocks having respective frequencies having predetermined ratios to the reference frequency of a reference clock, using PL circuits in such a way that the clocks have sufficient S/N ratios in spite of the SIN ratio limitation by the noise floor. A first reference frequency clock is supplied to a first PLL circuit to generate an intermediate-frequency clock having an intermediate frequency having a predetermined ratio to the reference clock. The intermediate-frequency clock is supplied to a second and a third PLL circuits to generate a second and a third reference frequency clocks having frequencies respectively having a second and a third ratios to the intermediate frequency, respectively.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a clock generation system for generating from a given frequency clock a first-reference frequency clock, a second-reference frequency clock, and a third-reference frequency clock respectively having frequencies having predetermined ratios to the frequency of the given clock. More particularly, the invention relates to a clock generation system suitable for generating a multiplicity of clocks having reference frequencies required by a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In the art of DVD system that utilizes, for example, a DVD player, a DVD-R, and a DVD-RW, it is necessary to provide a multiplicity of clocks of different reference frequencies (referred to as reference frequency clocks), including at least a 27 MHz clock series (first reference frequency series) for a video system, a 33.8688 MHz clock series (second reference frequency series) for a sound system (particularly CD) (the series including integral multiples of a sampling frequency of 44.1 kHZ), and a 36.864 kHz clock series (third reference frequency series) for another sound system (particularly DVD) (the series including integral multiples of 48 kHz and 32 kHz sampling frequencies).

[0003] These three reference frequency series can be obtained using individual oscillation modules. However, this approach is costly for a clock generation system because it requires one oscillation module for each of the required reference clock frequencies. Then, in order to reduce the cost, one might consider to generate two of the three reference frequency series from the remaining one, utilizing PLL (phase-locked loop) circuits, as shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 7 shows a clock generation system conjectured by the inventor in the process of devising the present invention, which is shown as a reference, but not prior art.

[0004] In the system shown in FIG. 7, a first reference frequency clock Fr1 (27 MHz) generated by an oscillation module is used as the basis for generating the remaining two reference frequency clocks, that is a second reference frequency clock Fr2 (33.8688 MHz) and a third reference frequency clock Fr3 (36.864 MHz).

[0005] In the first PLL circuit 70 a as shown in FIG. 7, the first 27 MHz reference frequency clock Fr1 is supplied to a first frequency divider 71 a, which frequency-divides the input first clock by a factor of 625 and supplies it to one comparison input terminal P1 of a phase comparator (PD) 73 a. The second frequency divider 72 a receives the output of the PLL circuit 70 a and frequency-divides it by a factor of 3136, which is supplied to a PD 73 a as another comparison input P2. The PD 73 a compares the two inputs P1 and P2 and generates an output (referred to as comparison output) indicative of the phase difference between them. The comparison output is smoothed by a low-pass filter (LPF) before it is supplied to a voltage control oscillator (VCO) 75 a as a control signal. The VCO 75 a changes its oscillation frequency according to the control signal input so that the two inputs to the PD 73 a coincide in frequency and in phase. The loop gain of this PLL circuit is large, so that remaining deviation is extremely small. Thus, the frequency of the output of the VCO 75 a is converted to 135.4752 (=27×3136/625) MHz, in accordance with the frequency division ratio of the frequency dividers 71 a and 72 a.

[0006] The output frequency of the VCO 75 a is frequency-divided by a frequency divider 76 a by a factor of 4, generating a second reference frequency clock Fr2. The output frequency of the VCO 75 a is further frequency-divided by a 1/6 frequency divider 77 a, a 1/8 frequency divider 78 a, and a 1/12 frequency divider 79 a, respectively, into 22.5792 MHz, 16.9344 MHz, and 11.2896 MHz. These frequencies have specific relationships with the second reference frequency clock Fr2. These clocks belonging to the second reference frequency series have integral multiple of the sampling frequency of 44.1 kHz for use with CD systems.

[0007] The second PLL circuit 70 b also performs frequency division similar to that of the first PLL circuit 70 a, except that the frequency division ratio of the first frequency divider 71 b is 1/375, while that of the second frequency divider 72 b is 1/2048. The output frequency of the VCO 75 b is converted into 147.456(=27×2048/375) MHz in accordance with the division ratios of the frequency dividers 71 b and 72 b. Incidentally, reference numeral 73 b indicates a PD, and 74 b indicates an LPF.

[0008] The output frequency of the VCO 75 b is frequency-divided by the frequency divider 76 b by a factor of 4 to produce a third reference frequency clock Fr3. Additionally, the output frequency of the VCO 75 b is frequency-divided by a 1/6 frequency divider 77 b, a 1/8 frequency divider 78 b, and a 1/12 frequency divider 79 b to generate frequencies of 24.576 MHz, 18.432 MHz, and 12.288 MHz, respectively, which have specific frequency relationship with the third reference frequency clock Fr3. The frequencies of these clocks belonging to the third reference frequency series Fr3s are integral multiples of audio sampling frequencies 48 kHz and 32 kHz in DVD systems.

[0009] Clocks of a first reference frequency series Fr1 s are also generated. The series includes the first reference frequency clock Fr1 (27 MHz) and a clock of 13.5 MHz obtained by frequency division of the first reference frequency clock Fr1 by a 1/2 frequency divider 76 d.

[0010] Thus, one may choose necessary frequency clocks from the first through third reference frequency series Fr1 s-Fr3 s for his use.

[0011] The S/N (signal-to-noise) ratios of the clocks generated by the clock generation system shown in FIG. 7 can be obtained based on a known S/N theory as follows. As an example, S/N ratio of clocks of the second reference frequency series Fr2 s will be discussed. It will be understood that by the frequency division of the first reference frequency clock Fr1 by a factor of 625, the S/N ratio is improved by 20log625 [dB]. Hence, theoretically, the S/N ratio of the output signal of the first frequency divider 71 a equals (S/N ratio of the output signal+20log625) [dB]. Assuming that the S/N ratio of the first reference frequency clock is 80 [dB], it is 80+56=136 [dB]. Note that the S/N ratios are rounded to integers for simplicity. (It is also the case in the following discussion.)

[0012] It should be noted, however, that since a PLL circuit is in operation on the noise floor of a given IC (integrated circuit) on which the PLL circuit is formed, the S/N ratio of the PLL circuit is limited by the S/N ratio of the noise floor. The S/N ratio of the noise floor is governed by the fluctuations in the power supply potential, which is on the order of 90 [dB]. Hence, the S/N ratio of the PLL circuit is limited by the S/N ratio of the noise floor (90 [dB]). Hence, the S/N ratio of the output of the first frequency divider 71 a, that is, the S/N ratio of one comparison input P1 to the PD 73 a is at most 90 [dB].

[0013] Since the S/N ratios of the comparison inputs P1 and P2 to the PD 71 a are the same, the S/N ratio of the comparison input P2 is 90 [dB]. The S/N ratio of the comparison input to the second frequency divider 72 a is lowered by 20log3136 [dB], since the input P2 is stepped up by a factor of 3136. Therefore, the S/N ratio of the input to the second frequency divider 72 a becomes (90 (for the comparison input P2) −20log3136) [dB], or 20.3 [dB].

[0014] Thus, S/N ratios of clocks of the second reference frequency series Fr2 s are 32.3 [dB] for the second reference frequency clock Fr2, 35.8 [dB] for the 22.5792 MHz clock, 38.3 [dB] for the 16.9344 MHz clock, and 41.8 [dB] for the 11.2896 MHz clock.

[0015] Similar calculations lead to S/N ratios of the clocks of the third reference frequency series Fr3 s. They are: 36.0 [dB] for the third reference frequency clock Fr3; 39.5 [dB] for 24.576 MHz clock; 42.0 [dB] for 18.432 MHz clock; and 45.5 [dB] for 12.288 MHz clock.

[0016] In this way, using PLL circuits and frequency dividers as shown in FIG. 7, it is possible to generate clocks of a second reference frequency series Fr2 s which include a second reference frequency clock Fr2 obtained by multiplying the frequency of the first reference frequency clock Fr1 by a predetermined ratio, and clocks of a third reference frequency series Fr3 s which include a third reference frequency clock Fr3 obtained by a similar multiplication. However, the S/N ratios of the clocks of the second and third reference frequency series are lowered to 30 [dB] −40 [dB]. This deterioration in S/N ratio is a problem that must be solved, since DVD systems, etc. in general requires a S/N ratio of at least 50 [dB], preferably more than 60 [dB].

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0017] It is, therefore, an object of the invention to provide a clock generation system for generating a multiplicity of reference frequency clocks needed in DVD systems, which include clocks of a first reference frequency series (27 MHz series) for use in video system, a second reference frequency series (33.8588 MHz series) for use in audio system (particularly in CD), and a third reference frequency series (36.864 MHz series) for use in audio system (particularly in DVD), using a least number of oscillation modules and additional PLL circuits, the clock generation system capable of providing the first through the third clocks having sufficient S/N ratios in spite of the S/N ratio limitation by the noise floor.

[0018] In accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided a clock generation system for generating at least a clock having a first frequency (referred to as first-frequency clock), a clock having a second frequency (referred to as second-frequency clock), and a clock having a third frequency (referred to as third-frequency clock), comprising:

[0019] a first PLL circuit supplied with the first-frequency clock as a reference clock and adapted to generate a clock with an intermediate frequency (referred as intermediate-frequency clock) having a predetermined first ratio to the reference frequency;

[0020] a second PLL circuit supplied with the intermediate-frequency clock and adapted to generate the second-frequency clock, with the second frequency having a predetermined second ratio to the intermediate frequency; and

[0021] a third PLL circuit supplied with the intermediate-frequency clock and adapted to generate the third-frequency clock, with the third frequency having a predetermined third ratio to the intermediate frequency.

[0022] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a clock generation system for generating at least a clock having a first frequency (referred to as first-frequency clock), a clock having a second frequency (referred to as second-frequency clock), and a clock having a third frequency (referred to as third-frequency clock), comprising:

[0023] a first PLL circuit supplied with a reference clock and adapted to generate an intermediate-frequency clock having an intermediate frequency which is a predetermined first ratio to the reference frequency;

[0024] a second PLL circuit supplied with the intermediate-frequency clock and adapted to generate the second-frequency clock, with the second frequency having a predetermined second ratio to the intermediate frequency; and

[0025] a third PLL circuit supplied with the intermediate-frequency clock and adapted to generate the third-frequency clock, with the third frequency having a predetermined third ratio to the intermediate frequency.

[0026] In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, there is provided clock generation system for generating at least a first-frequency clock having a first frequency, a second-frequency clock having a second frequency, a third-frequency clock having a third frequency, and a fourth-frequency clock having a frequency that is double of the first frequency, the clock generation system comprising:

[0027] a first PLL circuit supplied with the first-frequency clock as a reference clock and adapted to generate an intermediate-frequency clock having an intermediate frequency having a predetermined first ratio to the reference frequency;

[0028] a frequency divider for frequency dividing the first-frequency by a predetermined factor to generate the fourth frequency;

[0029] a second PLL circuit supplied with the intermediate-frequency clock and adapted to generate the second-frequency clock, with the second frequency having a predetermined second ratio to the intermediate frequency; and

[0030] a third PLL circuit supplied with the intermediate-frequency clock and adapted to generate the third-frequency clock, with the third frequency having a predetermined third ratio to the intermediate frequency.

[0031] In view of the fact that the S/N ratios of the PLL circuits are improved according to the frequency division ratio and lowered according to the multiplication ratio, and that it is limited by the S/N ratio of the noise floor, the invention generates a common intermediate-frequency clock in the first PLL circuit and the intermediate-frequency clock is supplied to the second and the third PLL circuits. This permits elimination of the limitation, or reduction of the influence, of the noise floor on the S/N ratio. Thus, in spite of the noise floor limitation on the S/N ratios, a second and a third-frequency clocks can be generated from a first-frequency clock with sufficient S/N ratios.

[0032] Furthermore, the inventive clock generation system can generate a first 27 MHz reference clock series for a video system, a second 33.8688 MHz reference clock series for a sound system (particularly for CD) (with the frequencies being integral multiples of a 44.1 kHz sampling frequency), and a third 36.864 kHz reference clock series for another sound system (particularly for DVD) (with the frequencies being integral multiples of 48 kHz and 32 kHz sampling frequencies), all with sufficient S/N ratios.

[0033] The use of a common reference clock adequate for the first through third-frequency clocks eliminates the limitation or minimizes the influence of the noise floor, thereby allowing generation of the first through the third-frequency clocks having sufficient S/N ratios.

[0034] The invention also permits generation of a fourth frequency clock whose clock frequency is double the frequency of the first-frequency clock (used as a reference frequency clock) from the clock outputted from the first PLL circuit as a common intermediate-frequency clock for the second and the third PLL circuits.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035]FIG. 1 is a block diagram representation of a first embodiment of a clock generation system according to the invention.

[0036]FIG. 2 is a block diagram representation of a second embodiment of a clock generation system according to the invention.

[0037]FIG. 3 is a block diagram representation of a third embodiment of a clock generation system according to the invention.

[0038]FIG. 4 is a block diagram representation of a fourth embodiment of a clock generation system according to the invention.

[0039]FIG. 5 is a block diagram representation of a fifth embodiment of a clock generation system according to the invention.

[0040]FIG. 6 is a table showing the clocks of the respective frequency series along with the S/N ratios involved.

[0041]FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an exemplary clock generation system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0042] The invention will now be described in detail by way of examples with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown in block diagram a first embodiment of a clock generation system according to the invention. This clock generation system is designed to receive as a reference clock a first reference frequency clock of 27 MHz for use in a video system to generate clocks of a first frequency series (or 27 MHz series) for video system, a second reference frequency series (or 33.8688 MHz series) for audio system (particularly for CD), and a third reference frequency series (or 36.864 MHz series) for audio system (particularly for DVD).

[0044] In view of the fact that the S/N ratio of a PLL circuit gets improved by the frequency division ratio thereof, lowered by the multiplication ratio, and limited by the S/N ratio of the noise floor, a first-frequency clock Fr1 is supplied as the reference clock to a first PLL circuit 10 a, which generates an intermediate-frequency clock Fim1 having a frequency as determined by the first reference frequency clock Fr1 and a first predetermined ratio.

[0045] The intermediate-frequency clock Fim1 is entered in a second PLL circuit 10 b, which generates a second-base clock) for generating a second reference clock having a frequency as determined by the intermediate-frequency clock Fim1 and a second predetermined ratio. The second-base clock is frequency-divided to generate clocks of a second reference frequency series Fr2 s that includes the frequency of the second reference frequency clock Fr2.

[0046] The intermediate-frequency clock Fim1 is also supplied to a third PLL circuit 10 c, which generates a third-base clock) for generating a third reference clock having a frequency as determined by the intermediate-frequency clock Fim1 and a third predetermined ratio. The frequency of the third-base is frequency-divided to generate a third reference frequency series Fr3 s that includes the frequency of the third reference clock Fr3.

[0047] In this way, a multiplicity of PLL circuits are connected in series, wherein a common intermediate-frequency clock Fim1 is generated by the first stage PLL circuit 10 a, which is supplied to the second and third PLL circuits to distribute frequency division ratios among the PLL circuits. This helps to circumvent the limitation or suppress the influence of the noise floor on the S/N ratios of the clocks generated.

[0048] The clock system of FIG. 1 is formed on an IC. The first reference frequency clock Fr1 for use as the reference clock may be generated by an internal oscillation module provided in the IC, or may be supplied from an external IC.

[0049] The first PLL circuit 10 a is supplied with the first reference frequency clock Fr1 (27 MHz). Here, it is assumed that the S/N ratio of this clock Fr1 is 80 [dB], and S/N ratio of the noise floor is 90 [dB], as in the example shown in FIG. 7.

[0050] In the first PLL circuit 10 a, a first frequency divider 11 a frequency-divides the clock Fr1 by 25, and feed the divided clock to one comparison input P1 of a PD 13 a. The S/N ratio of this comparison input P1 is theoretically 108 [dB] (=80+20log25), but on account of the limitation of the noise floor, the S/N ratio drops to 90 [dB]. A second frequency divider 12 a frequency-divides the output of the first PLL circuit 10 a by 128, and supplies the resultant clock to another comparison input P2 of the PD 13 a. The S/N ratio of the comparison input P2 turns out to be 90 [dB].

[0051] PD 13 a, LPF 14 a, and VCO 15 a of the first PLL circuit 10 a only differ from corresponding circuits of PLL circuits shown in FIG. 7 in that some of their parameters are different, and these PLL circuits operate in the same manner. The frequency of the output of the VCO 15 a is converted to 138.24 (=27×128/25) MHz in accord with the frequency division ratio of frequency dividers 11 a and 12 a. The S/N ratio of the output of the VCO 15 a is 48 [dB] (=90−20log128). The output of the VCO 15 a is further frequency-divided by a frequency divider 16 a by the ratio of 1/2, resulting in a first intermediate-frequency clock Fim1 (69.120 MHz). As a consequence of the frequency division (by 2) by the frequency divider 16 a, the S/N ratio of this clock Fim1 becomes 54 [dB].

[0052] This clock Fim1 (69.120 MHz, 54 [dB]) are utilized as a common input clock to the second PLL circuit 10 b and the third PLL circuit 10 c.

[0053] The second PLL circuit 10 b is composed of a first frequency divider 11 b (division ratio of 1/50), a second frequency divider 12 b (division ratio 1/98), a PD 13 b, an LPF 14 b, and a VCO 15 b. Although the division ratios are different, the second PLL circuit operates in the same way as the first PLL circuit 10 a.

[0054] The second PLL circuit 10 b is supplied with the clock Fim1, generating a second-base clock of 135.4752 MHz (=69.120×98/50) in accord with the division ratios of the frequency dividers 11 b and 12 b.

[0055] The S/N ratio of the output of the first frequency divider 11 b, i.e. the first input P1 to the PD 13 b, is not limited by the noise floor, and becomes 88 [dB] (=54+20log50). The S/N ratio of the input to the second frequency divider 12 b, i.e. the S/N ratio of the second-base clock, becomes 48.2 [dB] (=88−20log98).

[0056] This second-base clock (135.4752 MHz, 48.2 [dB]) is again frequency-divided by 4 by a frequency divider 16 b, resulting in a second reference frequency clock Fr2 (33.8688 MHz, 60.2 [dB]). This second reference clock is further frequency-divided by a 1/6 frequency divider 17 b, a 1/8 frequency divider 18 b, and a 1/12 frequency divider 19 b, resulting in clocks of 22.5792 MHz (63.7 [dB]), 16.9344 MHz (66.2 [dB]), and 11.2896 MHz (69.7 [dB]), respectively, which are associated with the second-frequency clock Fr2. These clocks constitute a second reference frequency series Fr2.

[0057] The third PLL circuit 10c is composed of a first frequency divider 11 c (division ratio 1/45), a second frequency divider 12 c (division ratio 1/96), a PD 13 c, an LPF 14 c, and a VCO 15 c. Although the division ratios are different, this PLL circuit 10c has the same function as the first PLL circuit 10 a.

[0058] Like the second PLL circuit 10 b, the third PLL circuit 10 c is also supplied with the clock Fim1 and generates a 147.456 MHz (=69.120×96/45) third-base clock for generating the third reference clock in accord with the division ratios of frequency dividers 11 c and 12 c.

[0059] The output of the first frequency divider 11 c, or the first input P1 to the PD 13 c, is 87 [dB] (=54+20log45), which is not limited by the noise floor. The S/N ratio of the signal input to the second frequency divider 12 c, or the S/N ratio of the third-base clock, is 47.4 [dB] (=87−20log96).

[0060] The third-base clock (147.456 MHz, 47.4 [dB]) is frequency-divided by 4 by the frequency divider 16 c, which results in the third reference frequency clock Fr3 (36.864 MHz, 59.4 [dB]). The resultant third reference clock Fr3 is further frequency-divided by a 1/6 frequency divider 17 c, a 1/8 frequency divider 18 c, and a 1/12 frequency divider 19 c to generate clocks of a third reference frequency series Fr3 s associated with the third reference frequency clock Fr3. The third reference frequency series includes 24.576 MHz (63.0 [dB]), 18.432 MHz (65.4 [dB]), and 12.288 MHz (69.0 [dB]).

[0061] In addition, the first reference frequency clock Fr1 (27 MHz, 80 [dB]), which is supplied to the first PLL circuit 10 a as a reference clock, and the clock that results from the reference clock by the frequency division by a 1/2 frequency divider 16 d (13.5 MHz, 86 [dB]) are also output as clocks of the first reference frequency series Fr1 s.

[0062] The clocks of the first reference frequency series Fr1 s including the first reference frequency clock Fr1, the clocks of the second reference frequency series Fr2 s including the second reference frequency clock Fr2, and clocks of the third reference frequency series Fr3 s including the third reference frequency clock Fr3 have sufficiently high S/N ratios as compared with the clock of the cited reference frequency, so that they can be selectively utilized.

[0063] It should be appreciated that in the first embodiment shown herein although the first PLL circuit 10 a of the first stage has an S/N ratio a little limited by the noise floor, the subsequent PLL circuits, i.e. second PLL circuit 10 b and third PLL circuit 10 c, are not influenced by the noise floor. That is, the division ratios of the subsequent PLL circuits 10 a, 10 b, and 10 c are set so that the S/N ratios of these PLL circuits are not determined by the S/N ratio of the noise floor. Only the S/N ratio of the first PLL circuit 10 a can be limited by the noise floor, since the S/N ratio is dependent on the S/N ratio of the first reference clock Fr1 input to the first PLL circuit 10 a. Thus, the S/N ratios of the clock generation system can be most effectively improved.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown a structure of a clock generation system in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention.

[0065] In the clock generation system shown in FIG. 2, the first PLL circuit 20 a is supplied with the second reference frequency clock Fr2 (33.8688 MHz). Based on this second reference frequency clock Fr2, clocks of the first reference frequency series Fr1 s including the first reference frequency clock Fr1 and clocks of a third reference frequency series Fr3 s including a third reference frequency clock Fr3 are generated. Although the first through the third PLL circuits 20 a, 20 b, and 20 c and the respective frequency dividers have different frequencies and division ratios, they are the same in fundamental structure and function as the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

[0066] The first frequency divider 21 a of the first PLL circuit 20 a divides the input clock Fr2 by a factor of 14, and supplies the resultant clock to one comparative input P1 of the PD 23. The S/N ratio of this comparison input P1 is theoretically 103 [dB] (=80+20log14), which, in actuality however, turns out to be 90 [dB] due to the limitation of the noise floor. The second frequency divider 22 a divides the output of the PLL circuit 20 a by 50, and supplies the resultant clock to the other comparison input P2 of the PD 23 a. The S/N ratio also turns out to be 90 [dB].

[0067] The output frequency of the VCO 25 a has been converted to 120.96 (=33.8688×50/14) MHz according to the division ratios of the frequency dividers 21 a and 22 a. The S/N ratio of the output of VCO 25 a is 56 [dB] (=90−20log50). The output of VCO 25 a is again frequency-divided by frequency divider 26 a by 3 to obtain a second intermediate-frequency clock Fim2 (40.320MHz). The S/N ratio of the clock Fim2 becomes 65.7 [dB] as a consequence of frequency division by the frequency divider 26 a by 3.

[0068] This clock Fim2 (40.320 MHz, 65.7 [dB]) is used as a common input clock to the second PLL circuit 20 b and the third PLL circuit 20 c.

[0069] The second PLL circuit 20 b is composed of a first frequency divider 21 b (division ratio 1/14), a second frequency divider 22 b (division ratio 1/75) and PD 23 b, LPF 24 b, and VCO 25 b, and operates in the same way as the first PLL circuit 20 a, though its frequency division ratios differ.

[0070] This second PLL circuit 20 b is supplied with the clock Fim2 to generate a first-base clock of 216 MHz (=40.320×75/14) according to the division ratios of the frequency dividers 21 b and 22 b.

[0071] The S/N ratio of the output of the first frequency divider 21 b, that is, the first input P1 of the PD 23 b, is not affected by the noise floor, and is 89 [dB] (=65.7+20log14). The S/N ratio at the input of the second frequency divider 22 b, that is, the S/N ratio of the first-base clock, becomes 51.1 [dB] (=89−20log75).

[0072] The first-base clock (216 MHz, 51.1 [dB]) is frequency-divided by a frequency divider 27 b by 8, outputting a first reference clock (27 MHz, 69.1 [dB]). The first reference clock is further frequency-divided by a 1/4 frequency divider 26 b and a 1/16 frequency divider 28 b, outputting clocks of 54 MHz (63.1 [dB]) and 13.5 MHz (75.1 [dB]) clocks, which are associated with the first-frequency clock Fr1. These clocks are outputted as clocks of the first reference frequency series Fr1 s.

[0073] The third PLL circuit 20 c is composed of a first frequency divider 21 c (division ratio 1/35), a second frequency divider 22 c (division ratio 1/128), a PD 23 c, an LPF 24 c, and a VCO 25 c, and operates in the same way as the first PLL circuit 20 a, though its frequency division ratios differ.

[0074] Like the second PLL circuit 20 b, the third PLL circuit 20 c is supplied with the clock Fim2 to generate a third-base clock of 147.456 MHz (=40.320×128/35) according to the division ratios of the frequency dividers 21 c and 22 c.

[0075] The S/N ratio of the first frequency divider 21 c, that is, the S/N ratio of the first input P1 of the PD 23 c, is theoretically 96.6 [dB] (=65.7+20log35). In actuality, however, it is limited to 90 [dB] by the noise floor. The S/N ratio of the input to the second frequency divider 22 c, or the S/N ratio of the third-base clock, is 48.0 [dB] (=90−20log128).

[0076] The third-base clock (147.456 MHz, 48.0 [dB]) is frequency-divided by a frequency divider 26 c by 4 to output a third reference frequency clock Fr3 (36.864 MHz, 60.0 [dB]). In addition, the third reference clock is further frequency-divided by a 1/6 frequency divider 27 c, a 1/8 frequency divider 28 c, and a 1/12 frequency divider 29 c to generate clocks having frequencies of 24.576 MHz (63.5 [dB]), 18.432 MHz (66.0 [dB]), and 12.288 MHz (69.5 [dB]) belonging to a third reference frequency series Fr3 s associated with the third reference frequency clock Fr3.

[0077] Further, the second reference frequency clock Fr2 (33.8688 MHz, 80 [dB]) and a clock of 16.9344 MHz (86 [dB]) that is obtained by frequency-dividing the second reference frequency clock Fr2 by the frequency divider 26 d by 2 are output, constituting the clocks of a second reference frequency series Fr2 s.

[0078] The clocks of the first through the third reference frequency series Fr1 s-Fr3 s have little influence of the noise floor and have much higher S/N ratios as compared with the clock of cited reference, though they are partially limited by the noise floor.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown a structure of a clock generation system in accordance with the third embodiment of the invention. The clock generation system shown in FIG. 3 receives as its reference clock a 36.864 MHz third reference frequency clock for sound system (especially for DVD) and outputs clocks of the first 27 MHz reference frequency series for video system and clocks of a second 33.8688 MHz reference frequency series for audio system (especially for CD).

[0080] In this clock generation system of FIG. 3 the third reference frequency clock Fr3 (36.864 MHz) is supplied to the first PLL circuit 30 a. Based on the third reference frequency clock Fr3, clocks of a first reference frequency series Fr1 s that includes the first reference frequency clock Fr1 and clocks of a second reference frequency series Fr2 s that includes the second reference frequency clock Fr2 are generated. It is noted that the first through third PLL circuits 30 a, 30 b, and 30 c and the frequency dividers included in this embodiments are basically the same in structure and functions as those of FIG. 1, except for the frequencies it generates and the frequency division ratios used.

[0081] In the first PLL circuit 30 a, a first frequency divider 31 a frequency-divides the input clock Fr3 by 16, and supplies it as one comparison input P1 to a PD 33 a. The S/N ratio of the comparison input P1 is theoretically 104 [dB] (=80+20log16), but in actuality it is reduced to 90 [dB] by the limitation of the noise floor. A second 1/60 frequency divider 32 a frequency-divides the output of the PLL circuit 30 a by 60 and provides the resultant clock as the other comparison input P2 to the PD 33 a. The S/N ratio of the comparison input P2 is also 90 [dB].

[0082] The frequency outputted from a VCO 35 a is converted to 138.24 (=36.864×60/16) MHz according to the division ratios of the frequency dividers 31 a and 32 a. The S/N ratio of the output of the VCO 35 a is 54.6 [dB] (=90−20log60). The frequency of the output of the VCO 35 a is further divided by 2 by a frequency divider 36 a to obtain a third intermediate-frequency clock Fim3 (69.120 MHz). The S/N ratio of the clock Fim3 becomes 60.6 [dB] after the frequency division by a factor of 3 by the frequency divider 36 a.

[0083] This clock Fim3 (69.120 MHz, 60.6 [dB]) is used as the common input clock to the second and third PLL circuits 30 b and 30 c, respectively.

[0084] The second PLL circuit 30 b is composed of a first frequency divider 31 b (frequency division ratio of 1/32), a second frequency divider 32 b (frequency division ratio of 1/50) and a PD 33 b, an LPF 34 b, and a VCO 35 b, and have different frequency division ratios from the first PLL circuit 30 a. However, the two PLL circuits are the same in operation.

[0085] The second PLL circuit 30 b is fed the clock Fim3, and outputs a first-base clock of 108 (=69.120×50/32) MHz in accordance with the division ratio of the frequency dividers 31 b and 32 b.

[0086] Although the S/N ratio of the output of the first frequency divider 31 b is theoretically 90.6 [dB] (=60.6+20log32), it is limited to 90 [dB] by the noise floor. The S/N ratio at the input end of the frequency divider 32 b, i.e. the S/N ratio of the first-base clock becomes 56.1 [dB] (=90−20log50).

[0087] This first-base frequency clock (108 MHz, 56.1 [dB]) is frequency-divided by a frequency divider 37 b by 4 to output a first reference frequency clock Fr1 (27 MHz, 68.1 [dB]). In addition, the first reference frequency clock is further frequency-divided by a 1/2 frequency divider 36 b and a 1/8 frequency divider 38 b, resulting in clocks having frequencies of 54 MHz (62.1 [dB]) and 13.5 MHz (74.1 [dB]) belonging to a first reference frequency series Fr1 s associated with the first reference frequency clock Fr1.

[0088] The third PLL circuit 30 c is composed of a first frequency divider 31 c (division ratio of 1/50), a second frequency divider 32 c (division ratio of 1/98), a PD 33 c, an LPF 34 c, and a VCO 35 c, and have division ratios different from those of the first PLL circuit 30 a. However, the PLL circuit 30 c operates in the same manner as the PLL circuit 30 a.

[0089] Like the second PLL circuit 30 b, the third PLL circuit 30 c is fed the clock Fim3 to generates a second-base clock of 135.4752 (=69.120×98/50) MHz clock in accordance with the division ratios of the frequency dividers 31 c and 32 c.

[0090] The S/N ratio of the output of the first frequency divider 31 c, i.e. the S/N ratio of the first input P1 to the PD 33 c, is theoretically 94.5 [dB] (=60.6+20log50), it is in actuality 90 [dB] as it is limited by the noise floor. The S/N ratio at the input end of the second frequency divider 32 c, i.e. the S/N ratio the second-base clock becomes 50.3 [dB] (=90−20log98).

[0091] The second-base clock (135.4752 MHz, 50.3 [dB]) is further frequency-divided by a 1/4 frequency divider 36 c by 4 to generate a second reference frequency clock Fr2 (33.8688 MHz, 62.3 [dB]). In addition, the frequency of the second reference clock is further frequency-divided by a 1/6 frequency divider 37 c, a 1/8 frequency divider 38 c, and a 1/12 frequency divider 39 c into frequencies of 22.5792 MHz (65.8 [dB]), 16.9344 MHz (68.3 [dB]), and 11.2896 MHz (71.8 [dB]), respectively. These frequencies constitute a second reference frequency series Fr2 specifically associated with the second reference clock Fr2.

[0092] In addition, the third reference frequency clock Fr3 (36.864 MHz, 80 [dB]) supplied to the first PLL circuit 30 a as the reference clock thereof is further frequency-divided by 2 by a frequency divider 36 d to generate 18.432 MHz (86 [dB]) clock, which is output together with the third reference frequency clock Fr3 to form the clocks of a third reference frequency series Fr3 s.

[0093] The clocks of the first through the third reference frequency series Fr1 s-Fr3 s have little influence of the noise floor and have much higher S/N ratios as compared with clocks of cited reference, though their S/N ratios are partially limited by the noise floor.

[0094] It will be understood that the frequency dividers 16 a, 26 a and 36 a used in the foregoing embodiments to generate the intermediate-frequency clocks Fim1-Fim3 may be omitted by adapting other frequency dividers in other PLL circuits to generates these intermediate clocks.

[0095] Referring to FIG. 4, there is shown a configuration of a clock generation system in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the invention.

[0096] In the clock generation system shown in FIG. 4, besides the first through the third reference frequency clocks Fr1-Fr3, use is made of another reference clock Fr0 suitable for forming the respective reference frequencies.

[0097] The reference clock Fr0 (34.560 MHz, 80 [dB]) is supplied to a first PLL circuit 40 a, a second PLL circuit 40 b, and a third PLL circuit 40 c.

[0098] The first PLL circuit 40 a has a first frequency divider 41 a having a frequency division ratio of 1/16 and a second frequency divider 42 a having a frequency division ratio of 1/50, outputting a first-base clock of 108 MHz (56.1 [dB]). The first-base clock is frequency-divided by a frequency dividers 46 a, 47 a, and 48 a having frequency division ratios 1/2, 1/4, and 1/8, respectively, to generate clocks of 54 MHz (62.1 [dB]), 27 MHz (68.1 [dB]), and 13.5 MHz (74.1 [dB]), respectively. These frequencies constitute a first reference frequency series Fr1 s.

[0099] The second PLL circuit 40 b has a first frequency divider 41 b and a second frequency divider 42 b having frequency division ratios 1/15 and 1/64, respectively, to generate a third-base clock of 147.456 MHz (54.0 [dB]). The frequency of this third-base clock is frequency-divided by four frequency dividers 46 b, 47 b, 48 b, and 49 b having a frequency division ratios 1/4, 1/6, 1/8, and 1/12, respectively, to obtain a third reference frequency series Fr3 s that include frequencies of 36.864 MHz (66.0 [dB]), 24.576 MHz (69.5 [dB]), 18.432 MHz (72.0 [dB]), and 12.288 MHz (75.5 [dB]), respectively.

[0100] The third PLL circuit 40 c has a first frequency divider 41 c and a second-base divider 42 c having frequency division ratios 1/25 and 1/98, respectively, to generates a second reference clock (135.4752 MHz, 50.3 [dB]). The second-base clock is frequency-divided by frequency dividers 46 c, 47 c, 48 c, and 49 c having frequency division ratios of 1/4, 1/6, 1/8, and 1/12, respectively, to generate clocks having frequencies of 33.8688 MHz (62.3 [dB]), 22.5792 MHz (66.8 [dB]), 16.9344 MHz (68.3 [dB]), and 11.2896 MHz (71.8 [dB]). These frequencies constitute a second reference frequency series Fr2 s. Reference numerals 43 a-43 c stand for PDs, 44 a-44 c for LPFs, and 45 a-45 c for VCOs.

[0101] It will be apparent, in comparison with the example of FIG. 7, that each of the clocks of the first through the third reference frequency series Fr1 s-Fr3 s of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 have sufficiently large S/N ratios (over 60dB), which are adequate for use as system clocks. This has been achieved by the use of an appropriate common reference clock Fr0 (34.560 MHz) to form the first through the third reference frequency series Fr1 s-Fr3 s, and by selection of appropriate division ratios of the respective PLL circuits 40 a-40 c to eliminate the limitation or suppress the influence of the noise floor.

[0102] Referring to FIG. 5, there is shown a structure of a clock generation system in accordance with the fifth embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 5, the system receives a 27 MHz clock as a first reference frequency clock and generates clocks of a 27 MHz series (first reference frequency series) for video system, clocks of a 33.8688 MHz series (second reference frequency series) for audio system (especially for CD), and clocks of a 36.864 MHz series (third reference frequency series) for audio system (especially for DVD). In this regard, this clock generation system is the same as the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1. Since a high-quality quartz oscillator having a frequency of 27 MHz is available on the market at low price, the clock generation system that receives a 27 MHz clock as the first reference frequency clock is advantageous.

[0103] However, the clock generation system in the form of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 cannot make the 54 MHz frequency clock for video system from the first 27 MHz reference frequency clock. Moreover, although the 54 MHz frequency clock for video requires the highest S/N ratio, any of the clock generation systems shown in FIGS. 2-4 is not necessarily adequate to provide a sufficiently high S/N ratio.

[0104] The clock generation system of FIG. 5 can provide the 54 MHz first reference frequency clock for video with a sufficiently high S/N ratio, using the reference clock of 27 MHz as the reference frequency clock.

[0105] In the clock generation system of FIG. 5, the first reference frequency clock Fr1 (27.0 MHz) is provided to a first PLL circuit 50 a. Based on this first reference frequency clock Fr1, the clock generation system generates clocks of a first reference frequency series Fr1 s (54 MHz series) including the first reference frequency clock Fr1, clocks of a second reference frequency series Fr2 s including the second reference frequency clock Fr2, clocks of a third reference frequency series Fr3 s including the third reference frequency clock Fr3.

[0106] Although the first through the third PLL circuits 50 a, 50 b, and 50 c and the respective frequency dividers have different frequencies and division ratios from those of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, they are the same in fundamental structure and function as the first embodiment.

[0107] In the first PLL circuit 50 a, the first frequency divider 51 a frequency-divides the input clock Fr1 by 4 to generate one comparison input P1 to the PD 53 a. The S/N ratio of the comparison input P1 is theoretically 92 [dB] (=80+20log4). However, in actuality it is limited to 90 [dB] by the noise floor. The second frequency divider 52 a frequency-divides the output of the PLL circuit 50 a by 32 to generate the other comparison input P2 of the PD 53 a. The S/N ratio of the comparison input P2 is also 90 [dB].

[0108] The frequency of the output of the VCO 55 a is converted to 216.0 (=27.0×32/4) MHz in accordance with the division ratios of frequency dividers 51 a and 52 a. The S/N ratio of the output of the VCO 55 a is 60 [dB] (=90−20log32). The output of the VCO 55 a is further frequency-divided by a frequency divider 56 a by 5 to obtain a fifth intermediate-frequency clock Fim5 (43.2 MHz). The S/N ratio of this clock Fim5 is 74.0 [dB] after the frequency division by the frequency divider 56 a.

[0109] The clock Fim5 is used as a common input clock to the second PLL circuit 50 b and the third PLL circuit 50 c.

[0110] In addition, the output of VCO 55 a is further frequency-divided by another frequency divider 57 a by 4 to obtain a 54 MHz clock for video. The S/N ratio of the 54 MHz frequency clock is 72.0 [dB] after the frequency division by the frequency divider 57 a. It should be appreciated that this S/N ratio is much larger as compared with the S/N ratios (about 60 [dB]) obtained in other embodiments shown in FIGS. 2-4.

[0111] The second PLL circuit 50 b is composed of a first frequency divider 51 b (frequency division ratio of 1/125), a second frequency divider 52 b (frequency division ratio of 1/392), a PD 53 b, an LPF 54 b, and a VCO 55 b. Although the division ratios are different, operations of the second PLL circuit 50 b are the same as those of the first PLL circuit 50 a.

[0112] The second PLL circuit 50 b is supplied with a clock Fim5 and generates a second-base clock of 135.4752 MHz (=43.20×392/125) in accordance with the frequency division ratios of the frequency dividers 51 b and 52 b.

[0113] Although the theoretical S/N ratio of the first frequency divider 51 b, i.e. the S/N ratio of the first input P1 of the PD 53 b, is 114.3 [dB] (=74.0+20log125), it is in actuality 90 [dB] due to the limitation by the noise floor. The S/N ratio of the input signal to the second frequency divider 52 b, i.e. the S/N ratio of the first-base clock, is 38.3 [dB] (=90−20log392).

[0114] This second-base clock (135.4752 MHz, 38.3 [dB]) is further frequency-divided by a frequency divider 56 b by 4, outputting a second reference frequency clock Fr2 (33.8688 MHz, 50.3 [dB]). In addition, the second reference clock is further frequency-divided by a 1/6 frequency divider 57 b, a 1/8 frequency divider 58 b, and a 1/12 frequency divider 59 b, generating clocks of 22.5792 MHz (53.8 [dB]), 16.9344 MHz (56.3 [dB]), and 11.2896 MHz (59.8 [dB]) belonging to a second reference frequency series Fr2 s associated with the second reference frequency clock Fr2.

[0115] The third PLL circuit 50 c is composed of a first frequency divider 51 c (frequency division ratio of 1/75), a second frequency divider 52 c (frequency division ratio of 1/256), a PD 53 c, a LPF 54 c, and a VCO 55 c. Although the division ratios are different, the third PLL circuit 50 c operates in the same manner as the first PLL circuit 50 a.

[0116] As in the second PLL circuit 50 b, this third PLL circuit 50 c is supplied with the clock Fim5, and generates a third-base clock of 147.456 MHz (=43.200×256/75) in accordance with the division ratios of the frequency dividers 51 c and 52 c.

[0117] The S/N ratio of the output of the first frequency divider 51 c, i.e. the S/N ratio of the first input P1 of the PD 53 c, is theoretically 111.5 [dB] (=74.0+20log75), it is in actuality limited to 90 [dB] by the noise floor. The S/N ratio of the input signal to the second frequency divider 52 c, i.e. the S/N ratio of the third-base clock, is 42.0 [dB] (=90−20log256).

[0118] This third-base clock (147.456 MHz, 42.0 [dB]) is further frequency-divided by a frequency divider 56 c by 4, outputting a third reference frequency clock Fr3 (36.864 MHz, 54.0 [dB]). In addition, the third reference clock is further frequency-divided by a 1/6 frequency divider 57 c, a 1/8 frequency divider 58 c, and a 1/12 frequency divider 59 c, to generate clocks of 24.576 MHz (57.5 [dB]), 18.432 MHz (60.0 [dB]), and 12.288 MHz (63.5 [dB]) belonging to a third reference frequency series Fr3 s associated with the second reference frequency clock Fr3.

[0119] In addition, the first reference frequency clock Fr1 (27 MHz, 80 [dB]), which is supplied to the first PLL circuit 50 a as a reference clock, and the clock that results from the frequency division of the reference clock by a 1/2 frequency divider 56 d (13.5 MHz, 86 [dB]) are also output as clocks of the first reference frequency series Fr1 s. The 54 MHz clock outputted from the frequency divider 57 a also belongs to the clocks of the first reference frequency series Fr1 s.

[0120] It is noted that the frequency divider 56 a generating the intermediate-frequency clock Fim5 may be omitted by adapting the frequency dividers 51 b and 51 c of other PLL circuit to generate the clock Fim5.

[0121] The clocks of the first through the third reference frequency series Fr1 s-Fr3 s are far less influenced by the noise floor, though they are partially limited by the noise floor, so that they have sufficiently high S/N ratios as compared with the cited reference frequency. The clock generation system of FIG. 5 provides a 54 MHz clock having a sufficiently high S/N ratio together with the first reference frequency clock of 27 MHz.

[0122]FIG. 6 shows in tabulated form clocks and their S/N ratios belonging to the respective frequency series as described in the first through the fifth embodiments, along with a reference. Entries in the table denoted as “NO OUTPUT” indicate cases where a clock cannot be output. Entries in the table denoted as “NO OUTPUT*” indicate cases where a clock with a duty ratio of 50% cannot be output, but can be output with other duty ratios, for example a duty ratio of 66%. 

What we claim is:
 1. A clock generation system for generating at least a first-frequency clock having a first frequency, a second-frequency clock having a second frequency, and a third-frequency clock having a third frequency, said clock generation system comprising: a first PLL circuit supplied with said first-frequency clock as a reference clock and adapted to generate an intermediate-frequency clock having an intermediate frequency having a predetermined first ratio to said reference frequency; a second PLL circuit supplied with said intermediate-frequency clock and adapted to generate said second-frequency clock, with said second frequency having a predetermined second ratio to said intermediate frequency; and a third PLL circuit supplied with said intermediate-frequency clock and adapted to generate said third-frequency clock, with said third frequency having a predetermined third ratio to said intermediate frequency.
 2. The clock generation system according to claim 1, wherein, said second-frequency clock is obtained by frequency dividing the clock outputted from said second PLL circuit; and said third-frequency clock is obtained by frequency dividing the clock outputted from said third PLL circuit.
 3. The clock generation system according to claim 2, wherein, the frequencies of said first-, second-, and third-frequency clocks are 27 MHz, 33.8688 MHz, and 36.864 MHz, respectively.
 4. The clock generation system according to claim 2, wherein, the frequencies of said first-, second-, and third-frequency clocks are 33.8688 MHz, 27 MHz, and 36.864 MHz, respectively.
 5. The clock generation system according to claim 2, wherein, the frequencies of said first-, second-, and third-frequency clocks are 36.864 MHz, 27 MHz, and 33.8688 MHz, respectively.
 6. The clock generation system according to claim 1, further comprising: at least one frequency divider to frequency-divide said first-frequency clock by a predetermined factor, wherein said first-frequency clock and the output of said at least one frequency divider are outputted as clocks of a first frequency series; a first multiplicity of frequency dividers having different frequency division ratios to frequency divide the clock outputted from said second PLL circuit, wherein said first multiplicity of frequency dividers are adapted to output clocks having frequencies belonging to a second frequency series that includes said second frequency and frequencies having predetermined ratios to said second frequency; and a second multiplicity of frequency dividers having different frequency division ratios to frequency divide the clock outputted from said third PLL circuit, wherein said second multiplicity of frequency dividers are adapted to output clocks having frequencies belonging to a third frequency series that includes said third frequency and frequencies having predetermined ratios to said third frequency.
 7. The clock generation system according to claim 6, wherein, the frequencies of said first-, second-, and third-frequency clocks are 27 MHz, 33.8688 MHz, and 36.864 MHz, respectively.
 8. The clock generation system according to claim 6, wherein, the frequencies of said first-, second-, and third-frequency clocks are 33.8688 MHz, 27 MHz, and 36.864 MHz, respectively.
 9. The clock generation system according to claim 6, wherein, the frequencies of said first-, second-, and third-frequency clocks are 36.864 MHz, 27 MHz, and 33.8688 MHz, respectively.
 10. A clock generation system for generating at least a first-frequency clock having a first frequency, a second-frequency clock having a second frequency, and a third-frequency clock having a third frequency, said clock generation system comprising: a first PLL circuit supplied with a reference clock and adapted to generate said first-frequency clock, with said first frequency having a predetermined first ratio to the frequency of said reference clock; a second PLL circuit supplied with said reference clock and adapted to generate said second-frequency clock, with said second frequency having a predetermined second ratio to the frequency of said reference clock; and a third PLL circuit supplied with said reference clock and adapted to generate said third-frequency clock, with said third frequency having a predetermined third ratio to the frequency of said reference clock.
 11. The clock generation system according to claim 10, wherein, the frequencies of said first-, second-, and third-frequency clocks are 27 MHz, 33.8688 MHz, and 36.864 MHz, respectively.
 12. The clock generation system according to claim 10, further comprising: a first multiplicity of frequency dividers having different frequency division ratios to frequency divide the clock outputted from said first PLL circuit, wherein said first multiplicity of frequency dividers are adapted to output clocks having frequencies belonging to a first frequency series that includes said first frequency and frequencies having predetermined ratios to said first frequency; a second multiplicity of frequency dividers having different frequency division ratios to frequency divide the clock outputted from said second PLL circuit, wherein said second multiplicity of frequency dividers are adapted to output clocks having frequencies belonging to a second frequency series that includes said second frequency and frequencies having predetermined ratios to said second frequency; a third multiplicity of frequency dividers having different frequency division ratios to frequency divide the clock outputted from said third PLL circuit, wherein said third multiplicity of frequency dividers are adapted to output clocks having frequencies belonging to a third frequency series that includes said third frequency and having predetermined ratios to said third frequency.
 13. The clock generation system according to claim 12, the frequencies of said first-, second-, and third-frequency clocks are 27 MHz, 33.8688 MHz, and 36.864 MHz, respectively.
 14. A clock generation system for generating at least a first-frequency clock having a first frequency, a second-frequency clock having a second frequency, a third-frequency clock having a third frequency, and a fourth-frequency clock having a frequency that double of said first frequency, said clock generation system comprising: a first PLL circuit supplied with said first-frequency clock as a reference clock and adapted to generate an intermediate-frequency clock having an intermediate frequency having a predetermined first ratio to said reference frequency; a frequency divider for generating said fourth-frequency clock by frequency-dividing the output of said first PLL circuit by a predetermined factor; a second PLL circuit supplied with said intermediate-frequency clock and adapted to generate said second-frequency clock, with said second frequency having a predetermined second ratio to said intermediate frequency; and a third PLL circuit supplied with said intermediate-frequency clock and adapted to generate said third-frequency clock, with said third frequency having a predetermined third ratio to said intermediate frequency.
 15. The clock generation system according to claim 14, the frequencies of said first-, second-, third-, and fourth-frequency clocks are 27 MHz, 33.8688 MHz, 36.864 MHz, and 54 MHz, respectively.
 16. The clock generation system according to claim 14, at least one frequency divider to frequency-divide said first-frequency clock, wherein said first-frequency clock, said fourth frequency clock, and the output of said at least one frequency divider are outputted as clocks of a first frequency series; a first multiplicity of frequency dividers having different frequency division ratios to frequency-divide the clock outputted from said second PLL circuit, wherein said first multiplicity of frequency dividers are adapted to output clocks having frequencies belonging to a second frequency series that includes said second frequency and frequencies having predetermined ratios to said second frequency; and a second multiplicity of frequency dividers having different frequency division ratios to frequency-divide the clock outputted from said third PLL circuit, wherein said second multiplicity of frequency dividers are adapted to output clocks having frequencies belonging to a third frequency series that includes said third frequency and frequencies having predetermined ratios to said third frequency.
 17. The clock generation system according to claim 16, the frequencies of said first-, second-, third-, and fourth-frequency clocks are 27 MHz, 33.8688 MHz, 36.864 MHz, and 54 MHz, respectively. 